by Kay Starr

Created on: October 13, 2008   Last Updated: October 20, 2008

Exercise can be seen as a chore especially during the cold winter months. Here are a few ideas to spice up your exercise regime without leaving the comforts of your home.

1. Whittle down that waistline with a hula hoop - These are very inexpensive and just as much fun as they were when you were a kid. If you're lucky, there might even be one lying around the house.

2. Lose yourself in dance - Dancers are the underrated athletes who shape and tone their bodies through stretching and resistance activities. Bookstores and even some libraries carry a wide selection of dance instruction videos that are easy to follow along to and offer a great alternative to gym and studio classes . After learning some of the moves, you just might decide to create your own routine. Once you have it rehearsed, share in the fun and teach it to others!

3. Jump for Joy - Jumping rope tones muscles and burns a lot of calories but takes a lot of practice and patient to reach a level of continuous jumping. Another option could be jumping on a mini-trampoline, which can yield similar results with less effort and less shock to the knees. With either choice you are sure to see the benefits right away.

4. Stairway to Fitness - With an IPod in one hand and a towel to wipe that brimming perspiration from your brow in the other, climbing the stairs 20-30 minutes a day can shape up calves and thighs as well as increase stamina. Just be sure that the flight is at least 10 stairs, otherwise you may want to increase the minutes by an extra 10 or so.

5. Mix and Match - Too much of the same thing can become boring and unsatisfying. Don't be afraid to interweave the exercises and change the sequence from time to time.

Above all, have fun in whichever exercise you chose and always take necessary precautions before trying anything new. Also be sure to keep a box of Epsom salt or a tube of Icy Hot on hand because you're definitely going to need it!

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